Current research

“Crohn’s disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a lifelong condition that causes segments of the bowel to become inflamed and damaged. People affected by Crohn’s disease have a lot of digestive problems and often require strong medications and surgery. For decades, people affected by Crohn’s disease have been asking their specialists whther they should avoid or include particular types of foods help to manage their symptoms and to help heal their bowel. It has only been in the last ten years that medical studies have given us answers. This study will take particpants with active Crohn’s disease and guide them through a scientifically designed dietary programme with the goal of improving their disease and symptoms. Working together, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, a Specialist Dietiican and a highly qualified Chef will guide each particpant through a nutritionally complete 6-week eating plan whilst carefully monitoring their progress.”

The plan will focus on tasty and healthy meals which are prepared with minimum fuss.

What are the end of life care needs and preferences of older people living in the community as perceived by the older people themselves, and do these change over time? Carol Gray, TSDFT. September 2016 – September 2017. Grant awarded: £4,246

Is there an association between levels of plasma morphine-6-glucuronide and subjective pain scores in community-managed adult patients prescribed long term codeine phosphate? Dr Andrew Gunatilleke, TSDFT. January 2017 – December 2017. Grant awarded: £4,425

An exploration into whether singing is a useful way of supporting people living in Torbay & South Devon to self manage aspects of their COPD and associated social isolation. Dr Elizabeth Ginn, TSDFT. October 2016 – September 2017. Grant awarded: £23,708

Can the naturally high levels of urease inhibitors present in chamomile, pomegranate and watercress be extracted and classified? Dr Kyle Stewart & University of Exeter. April 2016 – June 2017. Grant awarded: £50,000

How can multiple initiatives for integrated care improve experience and outcomes for patients with multiple long term conditions in the Torbay and South Devon area.Professor Richard Byng, PenCLARHC & Professor Ben Benjamin, TSDFT. January 2016-31 December 2018. Grant awarded: £170,215

The clinical effectiveness of non-surgical management of hip dysplasia in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Rachel Rapson, Physiotherapy, TSDFT. October 2014- October 2015. Grant awarded: £7,000

Other grants awarded include:

Research fellowship award. 3yrs starting Spring 2013.PHD – To build explanatory theory as to how and why an ‘Enhanced Recovery Programme in Acute Medicine’ (ERM) works for whom and under what circumstances, in an NHS hospital in England. Helen Newman-Allen, University of Exeter in partnership with TSDFT.

Predicting difficulty in caring for the arm after stroke and developing a longitudinal profile of impairment and disability. Rhoda Allison, Stroke Services, TSDFT. September 2011 – January 2016. Grant awarded: £48,541. Completed. April 2016